New Zealand drop Kruger van Wyk

New Zealand's change of captaincy has overshadowed a number of changes in their Test squad for the upcoming tour of South Africa, with the wicketkeeper Kruger van Wyk, the legspinner Todd Astle and the batsman Rob Nicol all left out after being part of the group that toured Sri Lanka. A 15-man squad has been named, with the other change the absence of Ross Taylor, who has decided to take a break from cricket following the captaincy drama.

BJ Watling will take the gloves for the two Tests in Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, while the batsmen Dean Brownlie and Peter Fulton have earned recalls. Brownlie, 28, was impressive during his first two series against Zimbabwe and Australia last year but was dropped following the tour of the West Indies in August, while Fulton, 33, has not played for New Zealand in any format for three years.

There was also a call-up for the uncapped left-arm spinner Bruce Martin, 32, who is the leading wicket taker among spinners in the Plunket Shield this summer with 15 at 31.80. Martin, who plays for Auckland, was second only to Neil Wagner among all wicket takers last season with 37 at an average of 37, and the selectors believe his style of bowling will be of more value in South Africa than the legspin of Astle.

"We don't require a leg-spin option in South African conditions so have left out Todd Astle but he is very much part of our thinking for the future," coach Mike Hesson said in a statement. "Bruce Martin is a specialist spinner who can bowl a lot of overs and he deserves an opportunity after showing good recent form. Following on from BJ Watling's good form in Sri Lanka and again while back in New Zealand, he has been selected as the Test wicketkeeper."

Fulton is also back in the Twenty20 squad, having not played a T20 international for nearly four years, while there were call-ups for a number of uncapped players. The left-arm fast bowler Corey Anderson, allrounder Jimmy Neesham, wicketkeeper Derek de Boorder, batsman Colin Munro and fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan were all included and could make their debuts.

Tim Southee and Jacob Oram were not considered for the T20 squad due to the upcoming births of their children, and Andrew Ellis was ruled out with a side strain. The tour begins with a Twenty20 in Durban on December 21, followed by T20s in East London and Port Elizabeth, before the Tests take place in the first half of January. Three ODIs will follow the Tests, but the one-day squad is yet to be named.

"We don't need a leg spinner in SA" Huh? How about taking your best spinner. Period. Can you imagine OZ telling Warnie, sorry we don't need a leg spinner for this tour.

nskaile
on December 10, 2012, 3:34 GMT

FULTON? Bruce Martin? THE PHANTOM? What the heck on earth is going on PLZZZZZZZ someone from NCB explain to us fans. I thought we were looking into future? Maybe get young fast bowlers like Adam Milne? and give try to another young batsman and mAYBE MAYBE we will be able to find more Williamsons? NO? Why not pick Martin Crown while u guy are at? how about Cairns brothers? AND WHERE IS JESSE RYDER?

cricketWI
on December 9, 2012, 1:50 GMT

Only now they're bring back Peter Fulton? when Ross Taylor out?

on December 8, 2012, 22:03 GMT

Just get Ryder and Taylor in. No need for petty politics or a rest, we want to see the best of N.Z v the best of S.A. Test cricket loses its gloss when weak teams are sent out.

Robster1
on December 8, 2012, 13:19 GMT

The only chance the Kiwis have of avoiding a South African clean sweep is if McCullum wins a 20/20 game single handidly. New Zealands terrible record in SA will only continuw with this touring party. Too many leading players are just not in their squads.

BlightyTragic
on December 8, 2012, 1:37 GMT

Even as an outsider, although I like to see the guile and cunning NZ'ers do well, I hold very little hope for this side against a South African team that have just beaten England and Australia away. Short of a tragic set of circumstances that would affect 11 individual Proteas, I think NZ would do better by forfeiting the series. There would be more dignity in that than the drubbing that is coming. Expect two innings defeats because Cricket NZ can't see the forest for the trees. (i.e. Ryder, Taylor, T. Astle?)

featurewriter
on December 8, 2012, 1:33 GMT

I guess the selectors haven't been watching Luke Ronchi bat and keep. I'd have the guy in the team as a specialist batsman if they thought there was a better keeping option (which I don't believe there is). The guy is a game-changer.

on December 7, 2012, 23:52 GMT

OMG! I just read the Taylor article & left a comment, THEN came across this one.... Test Squad: No disrespect intended to the players, but seriously NZC??? In your opinion this is the best squad NZ can put together at the moment to take on the BEST test team on the planet, at home no less!! We are going to get a hiding. My team: Martin Guptil, Brendon McCullum, Jesse Ryder, Ross Taylor, Kane Williamson, BJ Watling (WK), T Astle (or Vettori if fit), James Franklin, Tim Southee, D Bracewell, T Boult, N Wagner (12th Man) Now I'm sure most would agree this team is more like it - it appears the only thing standing in the way of it is politics. Shame.

Maccanui
on December 7, 2012, 23:29 GMT

Careful what you wish for, McCullum.. This ain't going to be pretty.

BG4cricket
on December 7, 2012, 22:44 GMT

Agree with you @choppa13 but at least they got one thing right by getting Watlinv into the team

OzWally
on December 10, 2012, 17:58 GMT

"We don't need a leg spinner in SA" Huh? How about taking your best spinner. Period. Can you imagine OZ telling Warnie, sorry we don't need a leg spinner for this tour.

nskaile
on December 10, 2012, 3:34 GMT

FULTON? Bruce Martin? THE PHANTOM? What the heck on earth is going on PLZZZZZZZ someone from NCB explain to us fans. I thought we were looking into future? Maybe get young fast bowlers like Adam Milne? and give try to another young batsman and mAYBE MAYBE we will be able to find more Williamsons? NO? Why not pick Martin Crown while u guy are at? how about Cairns brothers? AND WHERE IS JESSE RYDER?

cricketWI
on December 9, 2012, 1:50 GMT

Only now they're bring back Peter Fulton? when Ross Taylor out?

on December 8, 2012, 22:03 GMT

Just get Ryder and Taylor in. No need for petty politics or a rest, we want to see the best of N.Z v the best of S.A. Test cricket loses its gloss when weak teams are sent out.

Robster1
on December 8, 2012, 13:19 GMT

The only chance the Kiwis have of avoiding a South African clean sweep is if McCullum wins a 20/20 game single handidly. New Zealands terrible record in SA will only continuw with this touring party. Too many leading players are just not in their squads.

BlightyTragic
on December 8, 2012, 1:37 GMT

Even as an outsider, although I like to see the guile and cunning NZ'ers do well, I hold very little hope for this side against a South African team that have just beaten England and Australia away. Short of a tragic set of circumstances that would affect 11 individual Proteas, I think NZ would do better by forfeiting the series. There would be more dignity in that than the drubbing that is coming. Expect two innings defeats because Cricket NZ can't see the forest for the trees. (i.e. Ryder, Taylor, T. Astle?)

featurewriter
on December 8, 2012, 1:33 GMT

I guess the selectors haven't been watching Luke Ronchi bat and keep. I'd have the guy in the team as a specialist batsman if they thought there was a better keeping option (which I don't believe there is). The guy is a game-changer.

on December 7, 2012, 23:52 GMT

OMG! I just read the Taylor article & left a comment, THEN came across this one.... Test Squad: No disrespect intended to the players, but seriously NZC??? In your opinion this is the best squad NZ can put together at the moment to take on the BEST test team on the planet, at home no less!! We are going to get a hiding. My team: Martin Guptil, Brendon McCullum, Jesse Ryder, Ross Taylor, Kane Williamson, BJ Watling (WK), T Astle (or Vettori if fit), James Franklin, Tim Southee, D Bracewell, T Boult, N Wagner (12th Man) Now I'm sure most would agree this team is more like it - it appears the only thing standing in the way of it is politics. Shame.

Maccanui
on December 7, 2012, 23:29 GMT

Careful what you wish for, McCullum.. This ain't going to be pretty.

BG4cricket
on December 7, 2012, 22:44 GMT

Agree with you @choppa13 but at least they got one thing right by getting Watlinv into the team

on December 7, 2012, 22:31 GMT

what the hell did Todd Astle do worng??? Nz Cricket u are in the dog house

on December 7, 2012, 22:00 GMT

Will NZ hurry up and pick Luke Ronchi already ? At least that man can actually keep and can actually bat ...

on December 7, 2012, 21:48 GMT

Very disappointed in what went on with Ross Taylor. You Kiwis are going to get monstered by SA without your best player.

TommytuckerSaffa
on December 7, 2012, 20:40 GMT

Kiwis will win in the shorter formats but I think they will get crunched in the Tests though.

on December 7, 2012, 19:58 GMT

Humiliation is what lies ahead of the SA tour for the Kiwis. Looks like utter confusion more than anything...

mikriket
on December 7, 2012, 19:26 GMT

This Sa tour is going to be a catastrophe> This batting line up is hopeless.

Sinhaya
on December 7, 2012, 18:36 GMT

I know SA tour will be tough for NZ but I wish you all the very best of luck indeed.

SevereCritic
on December 7, 2012, 17:15 GMT

Why not give Lou Vincent another run? Is he too old?

Caino94
on December 7, 2012, 16:53 GMT

Good to see brownlie back in the side, aussie boy i think from an australian's point of view the best team nz could have fo this series would be 1. Guptill 2. McCullum (c) 3. Williamson 4. Brownlie 5. Flynn 6.Fulton 7.Watling (wk) 8. Bracewell 9. Southee 10.B.Martin 11. Boult

StevieS
on December 7, 2012, 15:08 GMT

z0mbiezom I don't think Ryder would want to play until all the hacks running the show are axed and replaced by ex cricketers that know the game. I mean the coach hasn't even played a 1st class game and is only in his mid 30's, what the heck does he know about the demands of playing internations, how could a player take him serious.

aahahaa
on December 7, 2012, 12:47 GMT

you win the last test you play away in difficult conditions. what do you do then, get rid of the skipper, include fulton, brownlie, martin X 2, wagner. you are 3 short before even leaving the shores.. good luck.

kiwicricketnut
on December 7, 2012, 11:56 GMT

I like munro anderson and neesham in the t20 squads they are all exciting prospects with genuine talent, also good to see no williamson in that form of the game but then they replaced him with fulton which makes no sense at all, must be another pie chart decision that one. Selctors have no clue how to select a test team, carl cochopa has something like 6 100's in the last 8 games, what more could he do and munro is in fine 4 day form as well, rutherford is the next best opener no sign of any of them. Dont waste time with these average spinners and play 4 quicks good luck black caps with no rosco you're going to need it

thenoostar
on December 7, 2012, 11:28 GMT

Farsical!Bruce Martin is a darter and may have been good if given a chance instead of the toothless Tuffey in 1999. Todd Astle did bowl a bit slowly but did drift and turn the ball, another 5 - 10 km and her would be lethal. Unlike Vettori, he could threaten batsmen. Van Wyk has been a very steady contributor and I can't recall him making an error behind the stumps, Highly unlucky. Dean Brownlee is very lucky to be picked! He was beaten no less than 15 time in each innings against Australia, he is a good Western Australian club player and not worth persisting with at test level. Fulton, like Bruce Martin was long ago burnt by selectors and probably has little left to contribute and we will all eat our hats if he is better than Ryder of Taylor. We could have a good team if it was based on talent and not on some lawn bowls mans spreadsheets. Rest in peace and long live New Zealand cricket.

on December 7, 2012, 11:07 GMT

Its going to be a one side struggle

z0mbiezom
on December 7, 2012, 10:57 GMT

Meanwhile Jesse Ryder is the top run getter of the HRV Cup.

on December 7, 2012, 10:45 GMT

I'm itching to see these guys destroyed by Steyn and Co. Even Tahir had a chance of bagging a few against this squad.

reversecut
on December 7, 2012, 10:35 GMT

finally Bruce Martin gets a run, NZ spin options are lame but at least he tries to turn the ball. Would still prefer a younger spinner in there really trying to turn the ball. I would prefer we let the likes of Williamson/nicol/Guptil be used more than picking spinners who are only slightly better than these part timers. We could have an extra batter, which we need so very very badly. Why pick a spinner just because they think we need a spinner - even if they are not in the top 5 bowlers in the country. We sure as hell don't pick opening batters when we need them, we just make all our number 5 batters try and fail at that job (Mccullum, Guptil, fulton flynn have all been tried). Franklin choice makes me want to punch myself in the face.

TrickyKid
on December 7, 2012, 10:11 GMT

I hope this Munro character can reproduce his recent form - 269* at over a run a ball with 14 6's... maybe not against Steyn and co. but we can still dream.

Fluid36
on December 7, 2012, 9:31 GMT

About time Bruce Martin was picked, just hope they play him now ahead of the useless Patel.

choppa13
on December 7, 2012, 8:25 GMT

you have got to be kidding me peter fulton? seriously? Nz cricket is becoming so hard to follow and support with there odd way of thinking, with the captaincy saga now this. peter fulton really? i must be dreaming, who next mathew sinclair? nz cricket is in absolute shambles. Mike Hesson is the one that needed to go not rosco.

reversecut
on December 7, 2012, 8:21 GMT

Such bad test squad. What is the point in choosing Peter Fulton? Yes he has performed well in NZ pathetic domestic competition, but he has failed at international duties and will at best have 3 years in the NZ team if he can manage to hold his spot...NZ domestic cricket is so lame we need to blood cricketers in the heat of test matches so they eventually can handle themselves there. Why not pick a young batsman and give him time to develop playing test cricket for some time, so in two or three years he will be a solid test player, rather than just starting out after fulton/franklin etc have performed averagely at best for those 2 years....perpetual state of non-progression in NZ cricket.

pauln2
on December 7, 2012, 7:11 GMT

Ummm ... batting looks a tad thin to be taking on the South African quicks on their own patch. Not sure I'd be getting pre-paid tickets for days four and five.

Bishop
on December 7, 2012, 7:08 GMT

Peter Fulton? Really? NZ Cricket will never move forward if we keep going back to these guys. How many chances has this guy had and never done anything at the international level. I don't care what his first-class average is, he has shown time and time again he doesn't have what it takes at the top.
Thought Astle was a little unlucky to miss out - he showed some ticker in SL. Similarly Franklin was lucky to be retained as he seems not good enough with bat or ball. Glad to see Brownlie back in the side - unlike Fulton he has shown some ability at the top level, and this is only his second 'chance'.
Hopefully Fulton and Franklin both make centuries and prove me wrong, but I'm not holding my breath.

MH13
on December 7, 2012, 6:43 GMT

how the hell can ryder not make both these squads, the 20/20 squads looks very thin adam milne is not a 20/20 bowler nor is doug bracewell. i like the bruce martin and 2mtr peter picks tho both in form

on December 7, 2012, 5:59 GMT

We will get slaughtered. We don't have a good enough batting line up as it is with no Taylor we could be embarrassed, I hope one day before I die I see people in charge of NZ cricket with some clue. A joke.

Buckers410
on December 7, 2012, 5:36 GMT

shame Ross the Boss is missng out. Hope this conflict doesn't destry nz cricket. Hope it is a tight series oer in RSA. Not just in t20's

on December 7, 2012, 5:33 GMT

Good idea to blood some new players to see how they cope with the step up from provincial cricket. I don't have high hopes for a test series win but to have at least a couple of century makers and at least a couple of team totals in excess of 400 would be nice to see!

on December 7, 2012, 5:25 GMT

Dark time for NZ cricket. And will continue to be as long as the current administration keep calling the shots. How long till they can no longer blame the players and have to be held accountable for there insane policies.

on December 7, 2012, 4:57 GMT

No call up for Carl Cachopa but still room for James Franklin? Hmmm.

on December 7, 2012, 4:41 GMT

Why has Mark Gillespie not been picked? He was a revelation against SA earlier in the year, I understand he's back and bowling well.

on December 7, 2012, 4:11 GMT

So New Zealand television promote Munro as the next test superstar and he gets picked for the T20 squad. This is some great logic here

on December 7, 2012, 3:40 GMT

No Taylor, No Ryder - if we lose all the games will McCullum get the boot or will Nessan?

on December 7, 2012, 3:35 GMT

Brownlee not in the T20 squad?
When does Luke Ronchi qualify, it cant be long.He would be my choice as wicket keeper batsman whatever his current form.

Rixgm7
on December 7, 2012, 3:29 GMT

What did Dizzy Gillespie do wrong he is not injured is bowling solidly and was AWESOME in his last two tests against the saffers, or more importantly what did Wagner do right, me thinks the fact that Hesson coached for four years at Otago and Hesson was the one who originally brought him over for the republic has weighed too heavily on this decision. The T20 side is a surprise it is unfortunate that Derek de Boorder has been picked now, and not earlier, he is in pretty poor form with the bat this season.

KunzMan
on December 7, 2012, 3:03 GMT

Wow! Taylor not playing. Just looking at this squad and it feels there are three batsmen and three hundred allrounders and bowlers. Sorry but I will stop watching cricket if any of the two tests (barring weather) goes into the fifth day.

on December 7, 2012, 2:54 GMT

That's an interesting T20 squad. Be interested to see how some of those new faces go, especially Corey ANderson.

nathangonmad
on December 7, 2012, 2:52 GMT

Without Ross Taylor to get some runs in the series NZ are gonna look even more out of their depth.

No featured comments at the moment.

nathangonmad
on December 7, 2012, 2:52 GMT

Without Ross Taylor to get some runs in the series NZ are gonna look even more out of their depth.

on December 7, 2012, 2:54 GMT

That's an interesting T20 squad. Be interested to see how some of those new faces go, especially Corey ANderson.

KunzMan
on December 7, 2012, 3:03 GMT

Wow! Taylor not playing. Just looking at this squad and it feels there are three batsmen and three hundred allrounders and bowlers. Sorry but I will stop watching cricket if any of the two tests (barring weather) goes into the fifth day.

Rixgm7
on December 7, 2012, 3:29 GMT

What did Dizzy Gillespie do wrong he is not injured is bowling solidly and was AWESOME in his last two tests against the saffers, or more importantly what did Wagner do right, me thinks the fact that Hesson coached for four years at Otago and Hesson was the one who originally brought him over for the republic has weighed too heavily on this decision. The T20 side is a surprise it is unfortunate that Derek de Boorder has been picked now, and not earlier, he is in pretty poor form with the bat this season.

on December 7, 2012, 3:35 GMT

Brownlee not in the T20 squad?
When does Luke Ronchi qualify, it cant be long.He would be my choice as wicket keeper batsman whatever his current form.

on December 7, 2012, 3:40 GMT

No Taylor, No Ryder - if we lose all the games will McCullum get the boot or will Nessan?

on December 7, 2012, 4:11 GMT

So New Zealand television promote Munro as the next test superstar and he gets picked for the T20 squad. This is some great logic here

on December 7, 2012, 4:41 GMT

Why has Mark Gillespie not been picked? He was a revelation against SA earlier in the year, I understand he's back and bowling well.

on December 7, 2012, 4:57 GMT

No call up for Carl Cachopa but still room for James Franklin? Hmmm.

on December 7, 2012, 5:25 GMT

Dark time for NZ cricket. And will continue to be as long as the current administration keep calling the shots. How long till they can no longer blame the players and have to be held accountable for there insane policies.